Common Carrier Injury Claims: Limousine Personal Injury Case
A common carrier is a person or company that transports goods or passengers on regular routes at set rates. People traveling in a rented limousine, sightseeing bus, taxi, train, airport shuttle, cruise ship, airplane or any form of private group transportation are using a common carrier to get where they need to go.
Common carrier injury claims are filed when a passenger is injured while traveling on one of these types of transportation.
Common carrier liability
Common carriers offer their services to the public under the authority of a regulatory body, which sets standards for safety. Carriers that transport people owe a duty of care to their passengers; they are required to use the highest degree of care and diligence to ensure the safety of their passengers that would be expected of a reasonably careful operator. This means, among other things, that company drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road and all regulations from their regulatory body. Owners must also ensure the safety of their motor vehicles by checking brake functionality, etc.
In addition to a duty of care, common carriers are required to warn passengers about a dangerous condition to prevent injuries. If a carrier could have prevented injury by warning passengers about a dangerous condition that a reasonably competent and careful operator would have been aware of, they may be liable for damages.
Filing common carrier injury claims
When a person is killed or injured in a motor vehicle accident while traveling on a bus, limousine or other type of common carrier; they are entitled to recover damages through a personal injury claim. If you or a loved one was injured in a limousine accident or other type of group transportation, find a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with Livery Conveyance Laws in your state who can discuss your legal rights.
What type of damages can I recover in a common injury claim?
A common carrier claim seeks compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Accidents that involve a fatality may also result in a wrongful death claim and associated damages including funeral expenses. The spouse, child or parent of the accident victim may also be able to recover damages for loss of affection, companionship, or consortium.
How long do I have to file a claim after being in a common carrier accident?
All types of motor vehicle accident claims should be pursued as soon as possible after the injury because injury cases have a statute of limitations. A statute of limitations means that you have a set amount of time from the date of the injury to file a claim or your case will no longer be accepted. In Washington State the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an injury as a result of an accident or error caused by the negligence of another, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
